Velotric Breeze 1 vs Discover 3- smaller rider, hills + rain commute (pls help me decide!)
Posted by SeafoamSoul7494@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 6 comments
First-time e-bike buyer and I’ve narrowed it down to the Velotric Breeze 1 vs Discover 3, and would appreciate your input.
My use case:
• 24-mile round trip commute (12 each way) \~1x/week
• \~700 ft elevation gain each way
• Hilly, rainy West Coast city (though won’t plan to bike in the rain because… hair frizz!)
• Some city riding on weekends
• Occasionally bringing it on public transit (not often lifting, but handling is slight concern)
• I’m 5’2”, \~110 lbs. Also, will charge/store it in my garage.
Key differences I’ve noticed:
• Breeze 1: \~48 lbs, simpler, \~$150–300 cheaper (I’d probably add the suspension seat), 70 mi max range
• Discover 3: \~61 lbs, front suspension + suspension seat, feels smoother/more “solid,” 80 mi max range
My dilemma:
The Discover 3 felt like more of a “wow” ride (comfort/smoothness more like a car feel vs bike only) but I’m concerned about handling a 61 lb bike at my size, especially on transit or in tighter situations. Not sure how much the weight difference actually matters day-to-day. Also unsure about long-term maintenance on suspension.
Questions:
• For smaller riders, is \~13 lbs a big deal in real-world use?
• Is suspension worth it for paved city + hills, or overkill? Is there maintenance involved?
• Any experience with either bike (comfort, range in hills, rain performance)?
• Anything I’m not thinking about?
Would really appreciate any input- I’ve been stuck on this decision for months 😅
Ok_Incident8962@reddit
In your case go lighter! If after some commutes you feel it needs suspension, get a Redshift or Suntour NCX suspension seatpost.
unseenmover@reddit
I hate to say it but at some point you will need to lift the bike. Whether it be a bike rack of stairs or escalator. The lighter the better. On that note i had a velotric t1 st that wqas some 42lbs i think and was really maneuverable when it came to hoisting it into AC racks, or getting thru a BART/MUNI station/train or carrying when i had too
Speedtrap1@reddit
Have you had a look at Urtopia bikes, they have ones that will fit you and are under 40lbs, as well they are reasonably priced
The_Mighty_Glopman@reddit
Another bike to consider is the Velotric Tempo. It just came out and it weighs 39 lbs. You can pedal it like a regular bike if you want but it has plenty of power to go up hills. If you remove the battery it is 34lb, which means it can be transported on an inexpensive, strap on bike rack.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Suspension is not really needed on smooth pavement but those over 40 might disagree. A rigid fork is not only lighter but is more agile and has better steering feel. The Discover 3 uses an air fork. Which means you will need to occasionally (a few times per year) check that the air pressure matches your rider weight. This is done with a dedicated shock pump.
The weight difference is pretty substantial when you are not riding it. Not a concern while riding.
Velotric published a video on installing a suspension fork on the Breeze so an aftermarket fork might be an option.
Both have more than sufficient range. A 700ft gain over 12 miles works out to an average grade of just over 1%. Obviously you'll have sections much steeper. But either should handle it fine. At your height and weight, I'd recommend the lighter Breeze. In addition to being easier to handle and lift, you'll have more options for vehicle racks that can handle its weight and they will be cheaper.
If you decide you need a more plush ride, you can add a suspension fork. Check with dealer first to confirm.
whattteva@reddit
I'm over 40 and I do not use any suspension and it's fine. Light weight is far more important, in my opinion, because it allows more flexibility for vehicle racks and also pedaling without motor power is damn easier the less weight you have. Finally, it is also way easier to take up/down a set of stairs, which I sometimes have to do.